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Mambukal offers breathtaking views everywhere you turn.
Image: Basha Diana
Blessed with rivers and a series of seven waterfalls, Mambukal Mountain Resort sits on the foot Mt. Kanlaon, an active volcano in Murcia. The nature resort is owned and managed by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and was constructed according to the natural terrain of the place. Located 1,200 feet above sea level, the place is a cool haven for Bacolodnons and tourists even during summer. What started as a bathhouse and picnic garden is now a go-to vacation spot for the Negrenses.
This holiday, take comfort and rest at the lush forested area, go on an adventure and trek up to the 7th falls, or take a dip at the resort’s hot sulfuric pool. With all the therapeutic advantages nature can bring, spending some time away from the city during the holidays with the family is a much-deserved treat before the year ends. Read on to see the activities and picturesque views Mambukal Mountain Resort offers.
1. There are thrilling activities for adrenaline junkies.
Fly across the boating lagoon of Mambukal on its zip line attraction.
Image: Wilna Ligaya Sobrepena
At an affordable price, tourists can enjoy adrenaline-packed activities like the 200-meter zip line (PhP50), wall-climbing (PhP25), and canopy walk (PhP50). You can challenge yourself and your friends with the ascending path through the hanging bridge or see who can climb the fastest. You need to burn that grilled pork barbeque you ate during lunch! There is also something for those who like to commune with nature: set up a tent at the resort’s designated camping (PhP50/person) grounds and disconnect with the trees.
2. Relax at the resort’s pools and gardens.
To get the right temperature of the water, the hot spring is mixed with the cold spring water.
Image: Mambukal Resort
Feeling cold? Take a dip at the resort’s hot sulfuric pool (PhP50) and have the rejuvenating effect from the minerals and sulfur of Mambukal’s natural spring water. Children can also enjoy the two swimming pools (PhP50) and see the beautiful bugs and butterflies at the butterfly garden (PhP20). You can also go boating (PhP30) while enjoying the lush view of the trees surrounding the lagoon. If you want something natural and fresh, let the river’s water flow into your soul.
Another relaxing attraction of the resort is the Ishiwata Bath House (PhP100/30 minutes), which offers Japanese-style bathing where guests can have privacy while relaxing. The bathhouse was built by Kokichi Ishiwata in 1927 before the resort was even established. To provide solitude to the bathers, it is divided into five cubicles.
3. Test your endurance and trek up to the 7th Falls.
The stunning seven waterfalls will take your adventure to the next level.
Image: Mico Bautista
Connecting and being one with nature can let you destress and boost your health. Trekking up to the 7th waterfalls will test your endurance, and once you’ve reached the spot, you will be rewarded with a cold atmosphere and the relaxing sound of falling water. On the way to the 7th falls, you can see some bats and indigenous birds hanging from tall trees – keep your ears and eyes wide open. You can also experience forest bathing, a method of being calm and quiet among the trees while breathing deeply as you take a break from your ascending walk on the mountain resort.
A tour guide who is familiar with the passage will escort groups that want to visit the 7th falls. Some would do a stopover and cliff dive or take a plunge on the 6th falls. Proper trekking attire is strongly encouraged and slippers are forbidden during the hike. If the weather is gloomy, trekking is sometimes not allowed.
4. Enjoy local cuisine on the river at “Kaon ta sa Suba”.
A bamboo raft on the river serves as the deck where guests can eat and enjoy local food.
Image: Provincial Government of Negros Occidental
A hearty Filipino lunch greets the day tour guests at the river. The newest attraction, “Kaon Ta Sa Suba” (let’s eat on the river) allows you to feast on native cuisine while enjoying the scenery and the cool breeze under the trees. Situated on the river, guests can also dip their feet on the river’s water, which brings them back to the joys of the past – when Negrenses ate with their feet soaking at the cold gushing river. This package (PhP499/person) includes the entrance fee, lunch buffet, and access to swimming and dipping pools.
For more of Bacolod’s must-visit destinations, head on over to Yoorekka.
5. After a day of adventure, rest at the resort’s rooms.
These rooms are available at a budget-friendly price.
Image: MaggieAlnin Melgarejo Makilan
Mambukal Mountain Resort’s rooms offer different affordable accommodations suitable for family and barkada (a group of friends) sizes. For groups of four, Villa Rooms (PhP2,400) have verandas that show the views of the nature resort. Family Cottages (PhP4,000) can accommodate up to 10 people and has their own barbeque pit featuring a view of the boating lagoon. For budgeted guests, LGU Cottages (PhP1,500) are inclusive of a kitchenette and veranda and is good for six people.
Before you welcome the year 2020, have a little road trip and head to the nearest vacation haven at the foot of the mountain. With the natural sceneries and the breath of fresh air, you’re bound to refresh and have a sweet time during the holidays at Mambukal Mountain Resort.
Mambukal Mountain Resort is located at Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental. You can have your reservations ahead by calling this number: (034) 473-0610 or send an email at www.mambukalresort.negros-occ.gov.ph.
